Nipple Reconstruction Using a Scar-Based Modified C-V Flap

Patients who have lost their nipple-areolar complex (NAC) due to cancer excision surgery or trauma, or who have a congenital absence of the NAC, can experience psychological distress. Therefore, NAC reconstruction procedures have both physical and psychological impacts. Breast reconstruction is usually performed in multiple stages. Since reconstruction of the NAC finalizes breast reconstruction following mastectomy, it is important to perform this final step in a precise and delicate way with an optimal surgical technique. The 2 basic methods of NAC reconstruction are local flaps and composite grafts. The surgical techniques that have been developed for NAC reconstruction include the C-V flap, the star flap, the skate flap, the bell flap, and the arrow flap [1-7]. Local flaps are preferred because donor site morbidity is minimal compared to composite grafts. The C-V flap is a simple, quick, and effective method for nipple reconstruction using a local flap [8]. In these surgical procedures, nipple creation and areola pigmentation are critical [9]. Successful and complete procedures for nipple reconstruction must be simple, reliable, and convenient, with good aesthetic outcomes. The scar-based modified C-V flap technique described in this study is based on the conventional C-V flap technique. The C-V flap is a simple method using a local flap, and can be performed in the outpatient department [9]. Of note, the scar-based modified C-V flap can be performed for nipple reconWon Chul Choi, Hyun Gon Choi, Jee Nam Kim, Myung Chul Lee, Dong Hyeok Shin, Soon Heum Kim, Cheol Keun Kim, Dong In Jo